dig in(to) (something)

dig in(to) (something)

1. Literally, to dig a hole into something, such as the ground. I had to dig into the soil and create for the flowers.

2. To start eating, often eagerly or excitedly. Well, dig in before your dinner gets cold.Mom's lasagna is always so good—I can't wait to dig in!

3. To work energetically. Thanks to the whole department digging in, we were able to get that report finished on time.

4. To poke or prod someone or something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "dig" and "in" to refer either to the person or thing being jabbed or to the person or thing doing the jabbing. The dog might bite you if you keep digging it in its side like that.I dug a toothpick into the cake to see if it was fully cooked.

5. To create protective trenches, as in trench warfare. Once we're dug in here, I think we'll be able to hold this area.

6. To place one's hands in something, usually in an attempt to find something. Here, dig into my purse and see if you can find my sunglasses.

dig someone or something in something

to poke someone or something in something, such as the ribs, the side, the cheek, etc. He dug Wally in the ribs as he finished telling the joke.Jed dug the cow in its side with a stick, trying to make it move into the barn.

dig something into something

dig in

1. Excavate trenches to defend oneself in battle and hold one's position, as in The battalion dug in and held on. This usage gained currency in the trench warfare of World War I. [Mid-1800s]

2. Also, dig in one's heels. Adopt a firm position, be obstinate and unyielding. For example, Arthur refused to argue the point and simply dug in, or The dog dug in its heels and refused to move. [Colloquial; late 1800s]

3. Begin to work intensively, as in If we all dig in it'll be done before dark. [Colloquial; second half of 1800s]

4. Also, dig into. Begin to eat heartily, as in Even before all the food was on the table they began to dig in, or When the bell rang, the kids all dug into their lunches. [Colloquial; early 1900s]

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